A Fitting Farewell

Fans, family and friends gathered to say goodbye to jazz great Thandi Klaasen

- Mpho Tshikhudo

IT WAS a fitting farewell to a courageous spirit. Thousands of mourners – among them music greats, dignitaries and scores of fans – gathered together to pay tribute to a woman who overcame unimaginable adversity to not only stamp her name on the entertainment industry, but also to fight for the struggle for freedom and the rights of women.

And Thandi Klaasen’s final resting place was a respectful nod to a lifetime of commitment: she was buried at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park in Heroes Acre in Boksburg, just a stone’s throw away from the grave of assassinated struggle hero Chris Hani. The star was given an official civic funeral in order “to ensure she had a dignified send­off ”, Gauteng Premier David Makhura said. “She was a hero of our country.”

Thandi, who died recently at the age of 86 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, fought for human rights through her music, and the impact she had was reflected in the praise she received at a memorial service, held at the DJ Thomas Hall in Alberton, before the burial.